State Support of Higher Education Students

2018-2019 State Support and Students Costs for Washington State Community and Technical
Colleges

The purpose of this document is to inform colleges of the disclosure requirements
listed in RCW 28B.15.0681and to provide sample language they may use in their disclosure statement. The statute
directs institutions of higher education to disclose the following information on
“tuition billing statements” for resident undergraduate students.

The full cost of instruction.

The amount collected from student tuition.

The difference between the full cost of instruction and student tuition.

In addition to the requirement to provide information on a student’s “tuition billing
statement”, colleges may, at their discretion, provide the information via brochures,
websites, etc.

Amounts in the table below represent an average for a full-time equivalent, lower
division resident student attending community and technical colleges for the academic
year 2018-19.

Fee Type

Resident Undergraduate

Percent

Total Instructional Support Per Student FTE

$8,640

N/A

Total Operating Fee*

$3,192

37%

Net State Support per Student FTE**

$5,448

63%

*The Tuition Operating Fee is equal to the operating fee for a full-time student in
lower division classes.

**Net State Support is the amount paid by the state from various sources including
taxes and other funds.

Educational Cost Statement:

The average cost to educate a resident full-time community or technical college student
for the 2018-19 academic year is $8,640. Students pay an average of $3,192 in tuition
toward this cost. The remaining $5,448 is an “opportunity pathway” provided by the
State and is funded by state taxes and other sources. The amounts shown are averages
for a full-time, resident student. The actual tuition a student pays will vary due
to credit load, residency status and other factors.